Angela Rayner made ‘a big mistake’ over riots warning, Michael Gove claims
Rayner’s comments on summer riots spark criticism
- Michael Gove has criticised Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's warnings about potential summer violence, stating they could "tacitly encourage" riots and were a "big mistake".
- Ms Rayner on Tuesday warned cabinet colleagues about rising community tensions, linking them to economic difficulties, immigration, and declining living standards, following violent incidents in Epping.
- Mr Gove, a former Tory communities secretary, argued that predicting such violence makes it seem inevitable and portrays the government as being "at the mercy of events".
- He also cautioned against anticipating or encouraging violence.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she does not expect another summer of riots but highlighted the need for vigilance, blaming Labour for strains on social cohesion.